You may still think of Kia as an entry-level brand, but the last few years have seen this Korean automaker take big steps toward maturing its lineup of cars. The most obvious example of that is the Stinger, a sport sedan introduced last year that has the performance chops to keep up with some of Germany’s most desirable four-doors.
But Kia’s growing up process began well before that with the Cadenza, a full-size sedan that brings upscale trimmings to a comfortable car with an affordable starting price.
That said, the Cadenza becomes a little less affordable for 2019 as Kia has ditched the car’s entry level trim. That leaves Premium as the new starting point to push the base MSRP well over $41,000 and eliminate overlap with the top end of the mid-size Optima range. Changes otherwise are minor: the auto-dimming rearview mirror no longer has a compass built in, and last year’s lane departure warning system has been replaced by a more sophisticated lane keeping assist feature.
Unchanged from last year is a powertrain consisting of a 3.3L V6 (290 hp/253 lb-ft of torque), an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Cadenza vies for buyers in a vehicle class that seems to attract less attention every year as shoppers continue to be won over by crossovers and SUVs. Still, this is a well-done sedan that goes up against the likes of the Toyota Avalon, Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Impala and, for one more year, anyway, the Ford Taurus.
Unlike the Stinger, the Cadenza is not a performance car. Rather, it’s a swift, smooth and spacious car that is best suited to long freeway drives where it will coddle a quartet of people with a degree of luxury more commonly associated with pricier sedans.
With the base model gone, the Cadenza Premium’s standard equipment list includes niceties like a sunroof, power-folding side mirrors, navigation and smartphone integration in an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen interface, 12-speaker sound system, electric steering column adjustment, interior mood lighting, blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert, a powered rear sunshade and manual rear door shades, heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats and 12-way driver’s seat with seat cushion extension.
Keep in mind all of that is in addition to items carried over from the old base car, like LED headlights, windshield wiper de-icer, dual-zone automatic climate control, passive keyless entry with hands-free trunk opener, leather seating, eight-way power front passenger seat and a heated steering wheel.
Indeed, this is a well-equipped car that, in Limited trim, Kia adds adaptive cruise control, 19-inch wheels (upgraded from 18s), automatic high beams, head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, electric parking brake and Nappa leather upholstery. There is also a full suite of active safety gear that includes smart blind spot detection, 360-degree exterior camera views, automatic emergency braking and the aforementioned lane keeping assist feature.
Kia’s fuel consumption estimates for the 2019 Cadenza are 11.6/8.5 L/100 km (city/highway).
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
